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Work toward vets monument continues

They missed their original goal of erecting the Veterans Commemorative Monument in time for Canada 150 but volunteers still have their eye on the prize.

To date, fundraising for the project to build a remembrance wall that includes the names of all who served and returned has reached about 20 per cent of the $801,000 total expected cost, said Clyde Healey, chair of the monument planning committee.

“Funds raised for the project are through individual and corporate donations, the sale of remembrance ‘Markers’ and sponsorship,” Healey said.

“In addition, we have made a number of applications to the federal government for support of the project and are currently working with our MP Terry Sheehan and Veteran Affairs, who are assisting with a new application to Veteran Affairs Canada.”

Though the project is taking longer than originally hoped, it remains an important one, he said.

“This is different than any other remembrance monument in our community or in any other community, which we are aware of,” said Healey.

“This monument is for those who have served in a conflict zone or war.

“The other local monuments are in remembrance of those who were killed in a particular war; this monument is for all of those who perished and also those who served and returned,” he said.

“While our community has lost 665 soldiers in all conflicts, it is estimated that over 10,000 have served.”

Healey notes the monument will have capacity to record every one of those names.

In addition to members of the Canadian Armed Forces, markers can also be purchased to recognize veterans from allied and commonwealth nations’ armed forces, as well as the RCMP, merchant navy, Canadian Coast Guard, Cadet Services Officers, and police officers who have served in an operational zone.

So far, markers have been sold to families of vets from the War of 1812, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, Afghanistan, and most UN missions that have occurred in between those wars, Healey said.

The organization behind the Veterans Commemorative Monument project is the Lest We Forget Remembrance and Military Library, which was founded in 2001, and within that organization is the project planning committee.

The committee “is composed of a number of local citizens and vets. We have two architects that were responsible for the monument design, a lawyer to assist in grant application, a CPA for treasury functions, an accounting person for banking and credit card processing, a fundraiser adviser, a First Nation-Metis representative, a marketing person for our advertising program, and a vet from each of the following: Legion, Navy, Army, Air Force, RCMP, and Coast Guard,” Healey said.

He also credits the Northern Credit Union for coming forward in the project’s early days to support and sponsor the project, and offer a location for citizens to make donations.

The two local architects involved contributed the design work at no cost, said Healey.

Ernst Kreps of Design Environment Landscape Architect Inc. designed the project, and Chris Tassell assisted in the original concept. The two men put great thought into what their design will mean to Sault residents who visit it, he said.

“Ernst Kreps’ concept is a focused and distinct design that will be crafted and erected in a setting allowing for reflection and thanks,” explained Healey.

“The quality of the monument will leave the viewer with the vision of a work of art, aptly suited to such a setting and purpose.

“The overall design can be described as classic in nature, with the black polished granite being selected because its natural ability to reflect back, allowing the visitor’s image into the story.

The monument is on a slightly raised mound, giving meaning to the higher ideal of volunteerism and in particular volunteerism that may lead to a sacrificed life. The monument is placed so the front faces west and receives the reflection of the setting sun.”

The monument will also feature more concrete historical references, including the red granite monolith to the west of the monument which will contain Canada’s coat-of-arms and descriptions of the conflicts in which Canada has been involved, as well as a series of plaques outlining historical military events that have occurred in the Sault region.

As designed, the monument will feature several statues as well.

“The monument links time and events,” said Healey. “The British soldier, Aboriginal warrior, and Coeur de Bois statues represent the three founding cultures and the war of 1812 when the first collective action was taken.

“The soldier located on the east side is of the modern day soldier in defence of Canada’s ideals and those of the United Nations.”

The city has been very accepting of the project from the start, with city council approving a motion to accept the project in principal on a site in the John Roswell Park, said Healey.

It has also assigned a committee to work with the project planning committee, and has agreed to maintain the site once constructed.

Local residents have also responded positively to the plans for the monument.

“I have received numerous letters and calls from veterans and family members thanking our committee for taking on a project like this,” said Healey.

“This project is very important to those who have served, those who have loved and supported veterans, and those who have lost loved ones. The monument is, and will be, a place of remembrance, a place of healing, of recognition and respect, and a permanent record of history that must never be forgotten.”

Healey makes clear that anyone can purchase remembrance markers, even if they don’t reside in the Sault.

“If they have a family member, father, grandfather, brother, sister, mother, or friend who has served in one of the Allied Nations or Commonwealth countries, then they can remember them by the purchase of a marker.”

He also invites everyone to visit thosewhoserved.ca to make a donation or sign up to volunteer.

“We are always looking for more volunteers,” he added.

“The 80- to 90-year-old veterans who are out there selling markers need help, they know the significance of this project. We are always looking for sponsors and donors to make this project a reality.”